Beirut December 27,2010 Berytech held its annual Christmas Gala dinner on December 14, 2010 at the Four Season’s Hotel in Beirut in the presence of entrepreneurs, board and staff members, Saint-Joseph University Rector and Deans, as well as a host of friends and supporters.

During a short word, Mr. Maroun N. Chammas, President of Beyrtech, welcomed the guests, declaring: “This dinner, which gathers Berytech’s community members, as well as supporters, friends and individuals whose thoughts or actions have positively influenced our organization, has become a beautiful tradition which we uphold every year. And as our community is growing thanks to new staff members, projects and startups, so is this gathering.”

He also gave an overview of the most distinctive achievements and events that had marked 2010, stopping at some of the milestones, such as YallaStartup Weekend or a $1.2M investment within ElementN through the Berytech Fund.

The event featured as well the Berytech Incubation Awards ceremony that recognizes the most competitive projects presented during the 2010 edition. Dr. Nicolas Rouhana, Director of Berytech Technology Pole announced the results and trophies were awarded to each of the laureates. By order of merit and ranking, the Awards went to:

Mahdi Ghurayeb, Eskool
Abdallah Absi, Rifflex
Antoun Bou Zeid, Makhsoum.com
Rami Hajjar, Wext
Antoine Khoury, RF Trends
Joseph Abi Samra Tasmeem
Michel Kattouah, MDC
Rabeeh Abla, CSP Solutions
Charles Khoury, Dictype

The Awards provide the winning projects cash grants in line with the above order of merit, up to 12-months incubation period within Berytech and Eligibility for equity financing through Berytech Fund.
Mahdi Ghurayeb, top laureate for his school information system project eskool declared: “It is an honor to receive this award because it is a validation of all the efforts we have put into this project. Berytech’s support to date has been a mind-expanding experience and we are positive that with the support of its team, the only way is up”.

During the evening, and unbeknownst to him, Dr. Nicolas Rouhana was presented as well with a trophy of Appreciation, in recognition for his efforts within the organization, and the positive impact of his actions for the past 10 years, on the entrepreneurial landscape.

The rest of the night featured music entertainment thanks to a live band and the guests took to the dance floor, moving with equal glee to oriental, rap, house and rock rhythms.